Fast identification of phthalic acid esters in poly(vinyl chloride) samples by Direct Analysis In Real Time (DART) tandem mass spectrometry

It was found that the collision energy/voltage necessary to obtain 50% fragmentation (CV50) was linearly dependent on the molecular weight of phthalic acid esters (PAEs). Based on this observation a fast screening technique for the detection of PAEs in poly vinyl chloride (PVC) samples was developed using Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Based on this observation an automated data acquisition method, including mass-dependent tuning of the collision energy/voltage in DART-MS/MS, was developed thereby reducing the analysis time.

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► Mass-dependent tuning of the collision energy/voltage in DART-MS/MS was achieved.
► We report a highly automated data acquisition method for DART-MS/MS.
► A fast screening technique for the detection of plasticizers in PVC was developed.